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Cheddar Cheese vs Pepper Jack Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pepper Jack Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Pepper Jack Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Pepper Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Pepper Jack Cheese Overview
Pepper Jack cheese is a derivative of Monterey Jack that includes spicy chili peppers, bell peppers, and herbs. This American cheese is known for its mild, creamy texture contrasted with the lively heat of the peppers. It's popular in sandwiches, on burgers, and melted in dishes where a spicy kick is desired.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Pepper Jack Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Pepper Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Pepper Jack's texture can be described as "semi-soft".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Pepper Jack is ranked #126 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Pepper Jack | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Chorizo |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | IPA, Tacos |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Pepper Jack pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Pepper Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | United States |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-soft |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Not Specified |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Pepper Jack might be the better pick.
